Detectives investigating the 43-year-old’s death have today released CCTV footage of what is believed to be his last movements.

His beaten body was discovered by neighbours at his home in Sibthorpe Street in North Shields on Sunday, February 28.

The images show Andrew when he was last seen, three days before he was found. They show him crossing Saville Street West in North Shields at 10.38pm that evening.

Andrew is then seen drawing money from a cashpoint at the Unwind premises, before re-crossing the road.

Detective Chief Insp Peter Bent, who is leading the investigation, said: “The CCTV images are believed to be the last sighting of Mr Smart alive and it is strongly believed he died within a short period of this footage being recorded. This was the evening of a significant power cut which people will remember affecting this area of North Shields.

“It is extremely important that anyone who saw Mr Smart at this time or afterwards contacts the police immediately.”

Police also today released a photo of a laptop computer, similar to the computer which is believed to have been stolen from Andrew’s home during the evening of February 25.

DCI Bent added: “It is believed that an E-System Sorrento computer was also stolen from Mr Smart’s home during the evening of February 25.

“The computer had only been in Mr Smart’s possession for a couple of days prior to his death and may not contain material specific to him.

“The person who stole this computer may well have been the person who murdered Mr Smart.

“It is strongly suspected that this stolen lap-top would have been sold to somebody in the North Shields area. It may well have been bought in good faith by an innocent person but it is extremely important that we trace and recover it.

“If you believe you’ve bought such a machine or know somebody who has done so, it is vital you contact us.”

Twelve men and three male youths have been arrested and bailed in connection with the investigation and inquiries are ongoing.